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#TheRules

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The Rules: Democracy in Britain

Boris Johnson – the man who delivered a whopping majority for the Conservative Party in December 2019 – has defended himself over claims he misled parliament about rule-breaking parties during the coronavirus pandemic. “I swear by almighty God that the evidence I shall give before this committee will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So, help me God.”Boris Johnson (BBC News) Parliament’s Committee for Privileges and Conduct will now determine whether the former prime minister intentionally or recklessly misled fellow MPs in a series of statements that he made about parties in Downing Street when the British public was forced to stay indoors. The scandal has forced Mr Johnson to concede that he misled MPs over a number of parties held at Number 10 in breach of Covid rules and guidance. But, he claims, he did not do this intentionally. “There were a number of, er, days over a period over 20 months when gatherings took place in Downing Street that went past the point where they could be said to be necessary for work purposes. That was wrong, I bitterly regret it, I understand public anger and I continue to apologise for what happened on my watch and I take full responsibility.”Boris Johnson (BBC News) Mr Johnson told the committee that if he had broken the rules, then other people would have known it too, including the current prime minister, Rishi Sunak, who was also fined for breaking the government’s own rules on lockdown gatherings. In a moment of particular high drama, the committee’s proceedings were adjourned so that Boris Johnson could vote against the prime minister’s new deal on post-Brexit trade arrangements in Northern Ireland. Boris Johnson: “It must have been obvious to others in the building, including the current prime minister.”Harriet Harman: “Order, order. We will now suspend the sitting whilst the House of Commons votes and we will reconvene in 15 minutes.”Boris Johnson: “Thank you.”BBC News *** During his three-and-a-half-hour appearance in front of the committee Boris Johnson at times came across as belligerent and combative.  He took on fellow Conservative MPs – including Bernard Jenkin – over whether the lockdown gatherings, with alcohol and little social distancing, had been “necessary” for work purposes. Bernard Jenkin: “You’re giving very long answers, and it’s taking longer than we need. And you’re repeating yourself quite a lot. Can we just get on with the questions? Thank you very much. BBC News Boris Johnson: I think it’s unlikely that I said that, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t say things about social distancing.Bernard Jenkin: Ok, thank you. You’ve answered the question. BBC News Bernard Jenkin: What sort of observations?Boris Johnson: I might well have made observations about the importance of social distancing, since it was very much on our minds. Bernard Jenkin: Ok. BBC News Mr Johnson’s supporters in the Conservative Party were quick to defend him. Former cabinet ministers Nadine Dorries and Jacob Rees-Mogg both accused the committee of conducting a political witch hunt.  Labour’s Jim McMahon, was keen to remind people what they were doing as Mr Johnson attended parties in Downing Street. “For me this can’t be viewed for how we feel today, how we live our lives today. We’re free today. We can see our friends and family today. We can socialise today. If we have loved ones in care homes, we can see them today. That wasn’t what was happening when Boris Johnson was breaking the rules and holding them parties in Downing Street.”Jim McMahon (Sky News) The reality is that Boris Johnson is in a difficult place.  He could face a serious sanction if it is found that he intentionally or recklessly misled parliament. So, could it be the end of the road for his political career?  *** Boris Johnson was forced from office by his fellow Conservative MPs in 2022, following a number of damaging scandals.  If he is found to have deliberately misled his colleagues he could be suspended from the commons for ten days,  This would trigger a by-election which he could lose.   Mr Johnson’s appearance before the Committee for Privileges and Conduct comes at a crucial time for the Tories. Boris Johnson’s arch-rival – Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – has managed to make inroads into Labour’s sizeable lead in the polls. The opportunity for Mr Johnson to make a come-back to the top tier of politics is narrowing.  Here’s Tortoise’s political editor, Cat Neilan: “I think what we saw over the course of a day in Westminster where he was up against the Privileges committee – but not just then, in other things that were happening in and around Westminster at the time – I think we saw if not the end, then the beginning of the end of his ambitions to return as prime minister.”The News Meeting, Tortoise Media Mr Johnson’s fate lies with the Privileges Committee. It won’t report for a number of weeks.  This episode was written by Rhys James and mixed by Tomini Babs.

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Does British democracy work for you?

How can we improve British democracy? It’s a question that doesn’t just concern our parliamentary elections, or even elections at all – but asks we consider the full slate of opportunities available to citizens. Who has the power to change Britain for the better, and where? Why is political power so unequally distributed, and how can it really change? It concerns our representatives, yes, but also our public services: from our education and healthcare systems to our police and regulators. And, in this series on British democracy, it asks us to go to the very root of our social contract – a social contract severely broken, perhaps irreparably. This ThinkIn series will ask how to fix it.  editor and invited experts Matthew d’AnconaEditor Councillor Tim WyeBristol Green Party Councillor, Ashley Dr Ceri DaviesDirector of the Centre for Deliberative Research, NatCen Louise TickleJournalist and Reporter

thinkin

Does British Democracy Work For You?

How can we improve British democracy? It’s a question that doesn’t just concern our parliamentary elections, or even elections at all – but asks we consider the full slate of opportunities available to citizens. Who has the power to change Britain for the better, and where? Why is political power so unequally distributed, and how can it really change? It concerns our representatives, yes, but also our public services: from our education and healthcare systems to our police and regulators. And, in this series on British democracy, it asks us to go to the very root of our social contract – a social contract severely broken, perhaps irreparably. This ThinkIn series will ask how to fix it.  editor Matthew d’AnconaEditor

thinkin

Does British democracy work for you?

How can we improve British democracy? It’s a question that doesn’t just concern our parliamentary elections, or even elections at all – but asks we consider the full slate of opportunities available to citizens. Who has the power to change Britain for the better, and where? Why is political power so unequally distributed, and how can it really change? It concerns our representatives, yes, but also our public services: from our education and healthcare systems to our police and regulators. And, in this series on British democracy, it asks us to go to the very root of our social contract – a social contract severely broken, perhaps irreparably. This ThinkIn series will ask how to fix it.  editor Matthew d’AnconaEditor

thinkin

Breakfast ThinkIn: Is it time for a written constitution?

Join us bright and early for a ThinkIn on whether it’s time for the UK to have a written constitution. And if so, who writes it and what does it say? What is a Tortoise ThinkIn? A ThinkIn is not another panel discussion. It is a forum for civilised disagreement. Modelled on what we call a ‘leader conference’ in the UK (or an editorial board in the US), it is a place where everyone has a seat at the table. It’s where we get to hear what you think, drawn from your experience, energy and expertise. It’s where, together, we sift through what we know to come to a clear, concise point of view. It is the heart of what we do at Tortoise. Coffee and pastries at 7.45am, starts promptly at 8.00am.  If you would like to contribute to this ThinkIn, let us know by emailing thinkin@tortoisemedia.com We film our Thinkins so we can watch them back, edit the best bits and share them with members who weren’t there in person. Members can find their ThinkIn booking code in My Tortoise, under My Membership. The best experience to book a ThinkIn is via your app.